Comparison of ovine β-globin haplotype sequences and a new multiplex PCR for identification.

Deletion of pre-adult β-globin in sheep harboring BB haplotype of β-globin was associated to decreased tolerance to anemia and hypoxia, and consequently, reduced resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection, which is closely related to severe anemia. Recently, a qPCR using hydrolysis probe was successfully developed for β-globin haplotype identification, and association between resistance against H. contortus and presence of β allele was observed in Morada Nova sheep.